Working with gender-expansive and nonbinary clients requires therapists to move beyond traditional binary-focused frameworks and adopt affirming, flexible, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches for nonbinary clients. Gender-expansive clientsthose whose gender identity falls outside traditional male or female categoriesoften face unique mental health challenges, including minority stress, discrimination, and identity-related anxiety. For therapists, understanding these experiences and tailoring care accordingly is essential to providing effective support.Understanding Nonbinary and Gender-Expansive ExperiencesNonbinary, genderfluid, agender, demigender, and other gender-expansive identities challenge the traditional binary of male and female. Each clients experience is deeply personal and may evolve over time. Many face societal pressures, misgendering, family rejection, or difficulties accessing gender-affirming care, which can exacerbate mental health concerns.Therapists should also recognize the role of minority stressthe chronic stress associated with stigma, discrimination, and societal marginalization. Research shows that minority stress contributes to higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and trauma-related symptoms among nonbinary individuals. By validating clients experiences and creating safe spaces for exploration, therapists can implement effective therapeutic approaches for nonbinary clients and support healthier outcomes.Common Pitfalls in TherapyDespite good intentions, many therapists inadvertently hinder progress by relying on binary assumptions. Common pitfalls include misgendering clients or making assumptions about gender identity based on appearance or legal documents, using assessment tools and treatment frameworks that assume male/female binaries, failing to consider intersectionality including race, disability, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation, and overlooking the importance of inclusive intake forms, language, and documentation practices. Awareness of these pitfalls is critical to applying best practices in therapeutic approaches for nonbinary clients.Evidence-Based Therapeutic ApproachesSeveral therapeutic approaches for nonbinary clients can be adapted to provide affirming, client-centered care. Affirmative therapy emphasizes validation, empowerment, and respect for clients gender identities. Therapists explicitly affirm the clients identity, address stigma, and help clients develop coping strategies for societal stressors. Trauma-informed care is also critical, as many gender-expansive clients have experienced trauma related to identity-based discrimination or family rejection. Trauma-informed care prioritizes safety, trust, and choice, while helping clients process past experiences in a supportive context. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be adapted to address gender-related anxiety, dysphoria, and depression, helping clients identify negative thought patterns linked to societal stigma and develop healthier coping strategies. Narrative therapy allows clients to explore and redefine their gender identity stories, helping separate self-concept from societal pressures and develop empowering personal narratives. Interventions that target minority stress, internalized stigma, coping with discrimination, and resilience-building also improve outcomes for gender-expansive clients.Practical Strategies for TherapistsTherapists can adopt several concrete strategies to create more inclusive and effective care. Always ask and use the clients chosen pronouns and include pronoun options in intake forms and documentation. Ensure the physical and emotional environment is welcoming, whether in person or online, with visual cues, literature, and signage that signal affirmation. When appropriate, work with families to support understanding and acceptance, providing psychoeducation to reduce rejection and conflict. Support clients in navigating systems such as healthcare, education, or workplaces, and help them access gender-affirming care or resources when needed. Maintaining connections with organizations that specialize in gender-affirming services, peer support groups, or crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth and adults also complements the therapeutic approaches for nonbinary clients outlined here.Case ExamplesCase 1: A 17-year-old nonbinary teen struggles with social anxiety due to school misgendering. The therapist uses CBT techniques to challenge self-critical thoughts while implementing an affirmative approach that validates the clients identity and experiences. Family sessions are incorporated to educate parents on pronouns and supportive behaviors.Case 2: A 28-year-old genderfluid adult experiences workplace dysphoria and depression. The therapist employs narrative therapy to help the client reconstruct their identity story, explore coping strategies, and set boundaries at work. Trauma-informed techniques address past experiences of harassment.These examples illustrate how therapists can combine different therapeutic approaches for nonbinary clients to meet individual client needs.Conclusion and Key TakeawaysProviding effective care for gender-expansive and nonbinary clients requires awareness, flexibility, and ongoing learning. Therapists must move beyond binary assumptions and affirm clients identities, recognize and address minority stress and identity-related trauma, adapt therapeutic approaches such as CBT, narrative therapy, and trauma-informed care, create safe and inclusive environments, and advocate for client needs. Engaging in continuing education ensures therapists stay current on LGBTQ+ mental health best practices. When therapists intentionally affirm gender-diverse identities, clients are more likely to feel validated, empowered, and able to navigate life challenges successfully.References for Therapists Working with Nonbinary and Gender-Expansive ClientsRosati, F., et al. (2022). Non-Binary Clients Experiences of Psychotherapy. PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9690436/Brewster, M. E., Motulsky, W., & Glaeser, E. (2019). Working with gender-expansive clients in psychotherapy. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31503335/Pepping, C. A., Cronin, T. J., & Davis, A. W. (2025). Mental Health Care for Transgender and Non-binary Adults: An Investigation of Affirmative Practice, Therapy Experiences and Outcomes. Springer. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13178-024-01065-5Dickenson, J. A., et al. (2023). A Sexual Wellbeing Framework to Address Sexuality in Therapy with Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive Clients. Taylor & Francis Online. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02703149.2023.2229684Matsuno, E. (2019). Non-Binary-Affirming Psychological Interventions. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1077722918301020Malpas, J., et al. (2022). Family-Based Interventions with Transgender and Gender-Expansive Youth. PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9829155/Klinger, D., et al. (2024). Mental health of non-binary youth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11465615/Lelutiu-Weinberger, C., et al. (2024). A Pilot Trial of an LGBTQ-Affirmative Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for TGE Adults Living in the High-Stigma Context of Romania. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005789424001552The post Therapeutic Approaches for Gender-Expansive and Nonbinary Clients appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Dick Cheney, who served as vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, died yesterday at the age of 84 from complications with pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Though Cheney is known for citing his lesbian daughter while voicing his public support for same-sex marriage at a time when Bushs re-election campaign sought a national ban on the unions Cheney is also remembered for lying to support the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq and for supporting torture despite the United States numerous international agreements opposing it. Related George W. Bushs trans cousin jokes about how its hard to date as a Bush who loves bush During his young adulthood, Cheney received five draft deferments to avoid fighting in the decades-long Vietnam War. He served as White House chief of staff from 1975 to 1977 under then-President Gerald Ford. In 1978, Cheney was elected to represent Wyoming in the U.S. House; he was re-elected five times and served in the role until 1989.In 1980, Cheney endorsed Governor Ronald Reagan for president. Reagan went on to ignore the deaths of tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and others who perished during the opening years of the AIDS epidemic. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Cheney served as President George H. W. Bushs Secretary of Defense from 1989 to 1993 and oversaw the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama as well as the 1990 Gulf War to end Iraqi President Saddam Husseins invasion of oil-rich Kuwait. From 1995 to 2001, Cheney served as chairman of the board and CEO of the oil extraction company Halliburton. He resigned the day that George W. Bush named him as his running mate, but Cheney faced continual allegations of taking actions as vice president to benefit Halliburtons business in the Middle East. After a controversial December 2000 Supreme Court decision, Bush and Cheney became the first presidential ticket since 1888 to win the presidency despite losing the national popular vote; a feat then repeated by the current president in 2016.Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Cheney oversaw the opening of the Guantnamo Bay internment camp, which indefinitely held suspected terrorists and enemy combatants without any due legal process. Trump has since used the facility to detain suspected undocumented immigrants without due process.After the 2001 attacks, Cheney repeatedly lied that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and that Hussein had a 10-year relationship with the radical Islamic terrorist organization Al Qaeda. Cheney and other Bush administration officials repeated these falsehoods to justify the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. At the time, U.S. intelligence allies disavowed U.S. claims of Iraqs WMD, and the U.S. 9/11 Commission later found no collaborative relationship whatsoever between Hussein and Al Qaeda. Nevertheless, Cheney reportedly pressured U.S. intelligence agencies to support his baseless claims and cheered the 2003 invasion, saying it would be an enormous success story and that U.S. forces would begreeted as liberators. The invasion, which lacked an exit strategy, turned into an eight-year quagmire that resulted in an estimated 103,160 Iraqi civilian deaths and cost trillions in U.S. taxpayer funds.Around the same time, Cheney also claimed that torture kept us safe, even though intelligence experts said that the U.S. use of torture resulted in no actionable anti-terrorist intelligence during Cheneys vice presidency and merely provided justifications for other countries to torture their prisoners.WhenDick Cheneywas twisting international and domestic law into knots to expand executive power, build up the camps at Guantnamo, and empower the U.S. torture program, we human rights lawyers predicted that wed end up where we are now: with an executive that claims power to name any opposition terrorism, and any state action a war to escape accountability, said Alka Pradhan, a defense lawyer at the Guantnamo Bay military tribunals, told The Guardian following Cheneys death.Every subsequent president, via the drone or extraordinary surveillance programs, has built on Cheneys legacy to get to the present moment in U.S. history, Pradhan added. Cheney supported same-sex marriage, shot hunting buddy in the faceDuring Bushs 2004 re-election campaign, Bush supported a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Bush blamed activist judges for approving same-sex unions and pledged only to appoint federal judges who opposed the unions. To galvanize Republican voters during that years national elections, 11stateshad ballot measures to ban same-sex marriage all 11 passed.In August 2004, Cheney said, Lynne and I have a gay daughter [Mary], so its an issue our family is very familiar with. With the respect to the question of relationships, my general view is freedom means freedom for everyone. People ought to be free to enter into any kind of relationship they want to.The question that comes up with the issue of marriage is what kind of official sanction or approval is going to be granted by government? Historically, thats been a relationship that has been handled by the states, he added. The states have made that fundamental decision of what constitutes a marriage.In February 2006, Cheney accidentally shot his 78-year-old hunting companion Harry Whittington in the face and chest with a28-gauge shotgun, causing Whittington to suffer a mild heart attack and a collapsed lung. Cheney had admitted to drinking a beer hours before the shooting occurred. Whittington survived.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

San Antonios first gay mayor, Democratic Gina Ortiz Jones, is under fire for comments about Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts directive to remove the citys only rainbow crosswalk, at the heart of San Antonios gayborhood.A short address from Jones, made at a Thursday night celebration marking the areas designation as a cultural district, received an underwhelming response from attendees, as the onetime Under Secretary of the Air Force in the Biden administration appeared to decline to fight back against both Abbott and the Trump administration. Related Greg Abbott is removing rainbow crosswalks. This church found a way to fight back. Trumps Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy is spearheading the removal of rainbow crosswalks across the country, citing imagined fatalities and distracted driving.Jones seems to have preemptively retreated from disputing Texas Gov. Abbotts directive under the threat of retribution. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Theres a number of ways we can show our pride, make sure our community feels seen and heard, and we are not inviting unneeded retribution against the most vulnerable in our community, Jones told the crowd.While Jones says San Antonio will file for an exemption to the directive, shes clearly given up hope.My pride is not tied to this paint, she said. You know why? Because its in my heart and in my head. No one is going to take away who we are, what we have contributed to this city, to this state and to this country. It doesnt matter what they say. We will move forward. We know our worth. Well just figure out a different way. San Antonio is home to the Alamo and host to several military installations, earning it the nickname Military City, USA.The evening rally featured several speeches from community groups and members, and attendees signing a resolution urging the city council to keep the crosswalk. Two district council members in attendance signed; Mayor Jones did not.The rainbow crosswalk at Main Avenue and Evergreen was installed in 2018 with about $19,000 in privately raised donations, Texas Public Radio reports. Its the only city intersection with a decorative crosswalk. Other Texas cities have already removed some of their rainbow crosswalks, including Houston and Dallas. James Poindexter, secretary for Pride San Antonio, was disappointed with Jones response to Abbotts crosswalk removal order, which he said targeted the LGBTQ+ community specifically.Shes made decisions without talking to stakeholders in the community. Shes made these decisions just flippantly on her own without really having extensive conversations on her own, which is what last night could have been, Poindexter told KSAT News on Friday.James Barker, a business owner in the area, had words more in line with the spirit of resistance the crowd was looking for. One thing I want the community to remember is long before this crosswalk arrived, we were here, and they may take it, but after Trump and Abbott are long gone, well build a bigger and better one, Barker said.Mayor Jones had a different message.Lets focus on what we can achieve, right? And I want to manage peoples expectations. Lets be pragmatic. What can we actually get done? Thats what I want to focus on, she said.City attorneys have until November 8 to file an exemption for the crosswalks removal under guidelines provided by the Texas Department of Transportation.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Traveling as an LGBTQ+ person in 2025 comes with both exciting opportunities and important considerations. With laws, social attitudes, and safety conditions changing around the world, understanding which destinations are safe and which require caution is more critical than ever. Reports from Riskline and A3M Global Monitoring provide an updated global perspective on LGBTQ+ travel safety, helping travelers plan their trips wisely.LGBTQ+ global travel risk map 2025Global Progress in LGBTQ+ Travel SafetySome countries have made remarkable progress in creating safer travel environments for LGBTQ+ travelers. Nations like Canada, Malta, Iceland, and Norway are consistently ranked as low-risk destinations due to strong legal protections, social acceptance, and inclusive urban centers.In early 2025, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a historic milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in the region. Liechtenstein also introduced marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples, while Dominica decriminalized consensual same-sex relationships. These legal shifts are significant, but they are only one piece of the puzzle. Social attitudes, cultural norms, and local enforcement play an equally important role in shaping the travel experience.The Importance of Social AcceptanceLegal protections alone do not guarantee a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Surveys conducted by A3M between December 2024 and April 2025 revealed that even in countries with progressive laws, travelers can encounter challenges, particularly in rural areas or smaller towns. Transgender and non-binary travelers often face additional difficulties, highlighting the need to consider both legal and social factors when planning a trip.Understanding how LGBTQ+ travelers are perceived in society provides critical context. For example, urban centers may be welcoming, but conservative regions within the same country can present safety challenges. Travelers need to balance legal safety with social awareness to make informed decisions.Regions Requiring CautionUnfortunately, 2025 also shows areas where LGBTQ+ travelers must exercise caution. Hungary has restricted Pride events and increased surveillance on participants, signaling a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ visitors. Trinidad & Tobago re-criminalized homosexual acts in March 2025, reversing previous progress. Many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia continue to offer minimal or no protections, making them high-risk destinations.Even in countries considered moderately safe, rural areas can still be less accepting. For LGBTQ+ travelers, it is essential to understand that a countrys overall ranking does not eliminate all potential risks, especially for those with visible LGBTQ+ identities.Understanding the 2025 LGBTQ+ Risk MapThe 2025 LGBTQ+ risk map is a critical tool for travelers. It classifies countries into five levels of risk: low, moderate, high, very high, and extreme. Low-risk countries provide strong legal protections and social acceptance, while extreme-risk countries criminalize same-sex relationships or expose travelers to potential violence.While the risk map provides valuable guidance, it is not a substitute for personal preparation. Travelers should consider regional variations, the visibility of LGBTQ+ identity, and the specific context of each trip. Awareness of local norms and potential risks is key to navigating global travel safely.Tips for Safe LGBTQ+ Travel in 2025To maximize safety while traveling, LGBTQ+ individuals should research local laws, social attitudes, and travel advisories before visiting a new destination. Understanding cultural differences and adjusting behaviors accordingly can prevent unnecessary risks. For example, public displays of affection may be safe in urban centers but risky in rural areas.Travelers should also ensure they have appropriate travel insurance, particularly for LGBTQ+-specific healthcare needs. Connecting with local LGBTQ+ communities, forums, or networks can provide updated information and safe recommendations. Staying informed about changes in local laws or social attitudes is crucial, as conditions can change rapidly.The Future of LGBTQ+ TravelDespite challenges, the overall trend for LGBTQ+ travel safety in 2025 is encouraging. Legal protections are improving in many countries, and awareness of LGBTQ+ rights is growing. However, challenges remain, and travelers must remain vigilant and proactive.Low-risk countries are generally safe, but no destination is entirely risk-free. High-risk countries may be navigable for well-prepared travelers who understand the legal and social context. Careful planning, awareness of risks, and sensitivity to local cultures are essential for safe, enjoyable LGBTQ+ travel.By combining risk map insights with practical travel strategies, LGBTQ+ travelers can explore the world safely, connect with local communities, and enjoy enriching global experiences in 2025 and beyond.The post How Safe Is LGBTQ+ Travel in 2025? Risk Map Highlights Global Trends appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Traveling as an LGBTQ+ person in 2025 comes with both exciting opportunities and important considerations. With laws, social attitudes, and safety conditions changing around the world, understanding which destinations are safe and which require caution is more critical than ever. Reports from Riskline and A3M Global Monitoring provide an updated global perspective on LGBTQ+ travel safety, helping travelers plan their trips wisely.LGBTQ+ global travel risk map 2025Global Progress in LGBTQ+ Travel SafetySome countries have made remarkable progress in creating safer travel environments for LGBTQ+ travelers. Nations like Canada, Malta, Iceland, and Norway are consistently ranked as low-risk destinations due to strong legal protections, social acceptance, and inclusive urban centers.In early 2025, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a historic milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in the region. Liechtenstein also introduced marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples, while Dominica decriminalized consensual same-sex relationships. These legal shifts are significant, but they are only one piece of the puzzle. Social attitudes, cultural norms, and local enforcement play an equally important role in shaping the travel experience.The Importance of Social AcceptanceLegal protections alone do not guarantee a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Surveys conducted by A3M between December 2024 and April 2025 revealed that even in countries with progressive laws, travelers can encounter challenges, particularly in rural areas or smaller towns. Transgender and non-binary travelers often face additional difficulties, highlighting the need to consider both legal and social factors when planning a trip.Understanding how LGBTQ+ travelers are perceived in society provides critical context. For example, urban centers may be welcoming, but conservative regions within the same country can present safety challenges. Travelers need to balance legal safety with social awareness to make informed decisions.Regions Requiring CautionUnfortunately, 2025 also shows areas where LGBTQ+ travelers must exercise caution. Hungary has restricted Pride events and increased surveillance on participants, signaling a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ visitors. Trinidad & Tobago re-criminalized homosexual acts in March 2025, reversing previous progress. Many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia continue to offer minimal or no protections, making them high-risk destinations.Even in countries considered moderately safe, rural areas can still be less accepting. For LGBTQ+ travelers, it is essential to understand that a countrys overall ranking does not eliminate all potential risks, especially for those with visible LGBTQ+ identities.Understanding the 2025 LGBTQ+ Risk MapThe 2025 LGBTQ+ risk map is a critical tool for travelers. It classifies countries into five levels of risk: low, moderate, high, very high, and extreme. Low-risk countries provide strong legal protections and social acceptance, while extreme-risk countries criminalize same-sex relationships or expose travelers to potential violence.While the risk map provides valuable guidance, it is not a substitute for personal preparation. Travelers should consider regional variations, the visibility of LGBTQ+ identity, and the specific context of each trip. Awareness of local norms and potential risks is key to navigating global travel safely.Tips for Safe LGBTQ+ Travel in 2025To maximize safety while traveling, LGBTQ+ individuals should research local laws, social attitudes, and travel advisories before visiting a new destination. Understanding cultural differences and adjusting behaviors accordingly can prevent unnecessary risks. For example, public displays of affection may be safe in urban centers but risky in rural areas.Travelers should also ensure they have appropriate travel insurance, particularly for LGBTQ+-specific healthcare needs. Connecting with local LGBTQ+ communities, forums, or networks can provide updated information and safe recommendations. Staying informed about changes in local laws or social attitudes is crucial, as conditions can change rapidly.The Future of LGBTQ+ TravelDespite challenges, the overall trend for LGBTQ+ travel safety in 2025 is encouraging. Legal protections are improving in many countries, and awareness of LGBTQ+ rights is growing. However, challenges remain, and travelers must remain vigilant and proactive.Low-risk countries are generally safe, but no destination is entirely risk-free. High-risk countries may be navigable for well-prepared travelers who understand the legal and social context. Careful planning, awareness of risks, and sensitivity to local cultures are essential for safe, enjoyable LGBTQ+ travel.By combining risk map insights with practical travel strategies, LGBTQ+ travelers can explore the world safely, connect with local communities, and enjoy enriching global experiences in 2025 and beyond.The post How Safe Is LGBTQ+ Travel in 2025? Risk Map Highlights Global Trends appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Anti-LGBTQ+ conservatives have long crowed about how queer adults, drag queens, and their allies have been grooming and sexualizing children for abuse. Notably, these concern-trolls ignore all the child abuse scandals regularly coming out of the Republican party and the Christian church. But journalist Evan Hurst managing editor of the catty and left-leaning political website, Wonkette has been keeping an ongoing list ofChristian and Republican leaders who have been caught, accused, sued, or convicted for abusing and/or exploiting kids. Hurst has identified 188 Christian and Republican leaders this year, so far, stating, If MAGA is so upset about Epstein, they should hear about Baptists! Related GOP lawmaker said trans people harm children. He just pled guilty to child porn charges. Hursts lists which can be viewed here, here, and here all link to local reports of church and GOP leaders being accused of abusing kids. His most recent update, published on Halloween, featured 49 new names of accused child abusers and pedophiles. In fact, Hurst is having such a hard time keeping up with updates that he has asked for donors and subscribers to aid in his continuing efforts. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Conservative Christian leaders are such prolific groomers and abusers of kids, the news is so full of these stories, they are published in such a rapid-fire manner, that if you let it go ANY MORE THAN A MONTH, then it will take you hours and hours and hours and days and weeks to compile an update, Hurst wrote in his most recent update.If you are tracking drag queens or trans people or just LGBTQ+ people abusing children, you can take sabbaticals to Europe as often as you f**kin want, Hurst added, because those stories just dont happen much, despite the lies vile MAGA Christians tell. Hurst notes that, according toTrumps new National Security Directive (NSPM-7) for countering domestic terrorism and organized political violence,both anti-Christianity and hostility towards those who hold traditional American views on religion are listed as sentiments that can indicate ones inclination to become a full-fledged antifa terrorist. (In reality, anti-fascists are a decentralized political philosophy, and right-wingers commit political violence far more than left-wingers.)As such, Hurst wondered, Is it anti-Christian extremism or hostility to traditional American values to tell the truth about who is really sexually abusing children in this country, and how more often than not its conservative Christian religious leaders?Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City, brings a strong record of support for LGBTQ+ rights to the office.Mamdani, a Democrat, began serving as a member of the New York State Assembly in 2021, representing the 36th District, covering parts of Queens. In his first session, he fought for the repeal of the states anti-loitering law that was nicknamed Walking While Trans. It was often used against transgender women of color, supposedly for engaging in sex work, whether or not they were doing so. Trans and gender-nonconforming people could be stopped by police for even wearing a skirt or standing on the sidewalk at a point other than a taxi stand or bus stop. A bill passed that repealed parts of the law, and then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed it.Also early in his term, Mamdani cosponsored the Gender Recognition Act, making it easier to change ones gender on official documents and offering a gender-neutral X option. It passed, and Cuomo signed it into law in June 2021.Related: What Zohran Mamdani's mayoral primary win means for LGBTQ+ New YorkersIn 2023, with actions against gender-affirming care stepping up in conservative states, Mamdani supported New Yorks shield law, which prohibits law enforcement and other state officials from cooperating with investigations into this care from other states as long as the care provided is legal in New York. The law covers abortion as well. Gov. Kathy Hochul, Cuomos successor, signed the legislation.Related: Here are the states that have laws protecting abortion and gender-affirming careLast year, Mamdani contributed a column to the Queens Daily Eagle urging New York State residents to vote in favor of Proposition 1, a constitutional amendment that safeguards abortion rights and closes loopholes in New Yorks constitution so that New York lawmakers cannot create discriminatory policies, as he wrote. While this and other rights are protected in state law, that can change, while it is harder to change a state constitution.New Yorks constitution currently only provides protections based on race, creed, color, and religion leaving seniors, disabled community members, pregnant New Yorkers, and our LGBTQIA+ neighbors behind, he explained. With Prop 1, lawmakers will no longer be able to enact discriminatory laws targeting our neighbors based on who they are, what they look like, who they love, or the healthcare they need. Voters approved it in the November 2024 election.Related: Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomos complete track records on LGBTQ+ issuesIn May of this year, Mamdani announced a plan to protect LGBTQ+ New York City residents should he become mayor. It includes expansion and protection of gender-affirming care, with $65 million going to providers; the creation of an Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs; and making the city a sanctuary for the community.New York City must be a refuge for LGBTQIA+ people, but private institutions in our own city have already started capitulating to Trumps assault on trans rights, he wrote on Instagram. He also noted that economic troubles and rising prices have disproportionately affected this population, as they have higher rates of unemployment and homelessness than the rest of the city. He has promised to address this too. See on Instagram In October, he released an ad telling the story of trans activist Sylvia Rivera and further promising to protect trans people. Since taking office, Donald Trump has waged a scorched-earth campaign against trans people, Mamdani said in the ad. The man with the most power has expended enormous energy targeting those with the least. New York will not sit idly by while trans people are attacked. Well deploy hundreds of lawyers to combat Trumps hate. We cant bring Sylvia back, but we can honor her memory by building a city where trans New Yorkers are cherished. In a time of darkness, New York must be the light. His ad came at a time when some Democrats have backed away from support from trans rights. - YouTube www.youtube.com Also in October, he went on Fox News to apologize for his comments in 2020 calling the New York Police Department racist and anti-queer. He said he had met with many officers to apologize face to face, but he wanted to go public. At the same time, he expressed sympathy for the Black and brown New Yorkers who have been victims of police brutality and the Muslim New Yorkers in my district who were surveilled on the basis of their faith.Mamdani received some criticism from Cuomo for meeting with anti-LGBTQ+ leaders such as Rebecca Kadaga, the first deputy prime minister of Uganda, and New York City imam Siraj Wahhaj, who endorsed Mamdani. Cuomo also said Mamdani should renounce his Ugandan citizenship; he was born there and moved to the U.S. at age 7. Mamdani said he would not have met with Kadaga if he knew of her views. Of Wahhaj, a spokesperson for Mamdani said Cuomo appeared more interested in talking about what people Zohran has taken photos with than explaining what he actually plans to do as mayor for the LGBTQ community.Last weekend, Mamdani made a surprise campaign stop at a Brooklyn gay bar, Papi Juice. Visiting about 1 a.m. Sunday, he spoke from the DJ booth, saying, "In a city where so much is about struggle, it's so important to have a space for joy," He added, "It is an honor to be the first mayoral candidate to ever be in Papi Juice. Thank you so much. I can't wait to see you at the polls on Tuesday."